Photo credit to: Pangdemonium Theatre Company
Introduction
Meet Jing, the skilled sound designer behind the scenes of “Into the Woods,” a captivating musical brought to life by Pangdemonium Theatre Company under the direction of the talented Tracie Pang. In this article, we delve into the crucial role of tracking solutions in Jing’s immersive audio sound system by d&b Soundscape, exploring how Zactrack revolutionized the musical experience for both the production team and the audience.
Photo credit to: d&b audiotechnik
Embracing Immersive Audio with Precision
Jing highlights the significance of a tracking solution in their production, emphasizing the immersive audio precision and definition provided by the d&b Soundscape system. Managing an extensive cast of 17 members in a musical demands precise localization of each object and performer. This precision becomes the key to delivering the immersive quality the team envisioned.
Photo credit to: Pangdemonium Theatre Company
The Quest for the Ideal Tracking Solution
While tracking services were uncharted territory for Jing, he engaged in a discussion with Royston Tan, a representative from d&b audiotechnik APAC. Royston introduced Jing to various technologies compatible with d&b’s immersive audio solution, Soundscape, sparking Jing’s interest and paving the way for a promising collaboration. This marked Jing’s first attempt at integrating tracking solutions into sound designs, driven by the need for precision in the intricate production of “Into the Woods.”
Flexibility in Performance Dynamics
Zactrack’s flexibility stands out as one of its best features. Jing explains how they seamlessly adapt trackers to different fixtures, citing an example involving a character, the cow, who doesn’t have a tracker. By attaching the baker’s tracker to the cow’s fixture, the team ensured that the cow’s movements synchronized with another performer on stage, enhancing the overall performance dynamic in real time.
Workflow Efficiency and Precision
Zactrack significantly improved the overall workflow for Jing’s team. With no concerns about delay timings or specific group assignments, they could focus on utilizing the d&b Soundscape to its full potential. Zactrack’s ability to pinpoint performers in an X-Y axis – that integrated seamlessly with the d&b Soundscape mapping planes, simplified the production process, and contributed to a more efficient workflow by eliminating extensive programming requirements.
Photo credit to: Jing
Exceptional Support from Total Solution Marketing
Jing expresses gratitude for the outstanding support received from Total Solution Marketing. Through workshops and meetings, the team gained a comprehensive understanding of Zactrack’s capabilities. Louis and Syah from Total Solution Marketing played a pivotal role in helping the team explore the full potential of the tracking system, ensuring a seamless integration into the musical performance.
Concealing Trackers for Aesthetic Harmony
A unique aspect that Jing appreciates is the ability to hide Zactrack’s small trackers within costumes. Working closely with the costume department, they successfully integrated the lightweight, compact trackers onto the performers, achieving both functionality and aesthetic harmony. This level of collaboration highlights the user-friendly nature of Zactrack.
Photo credit to: Pangdemonium Theatre Company
A Strong Recommendation
In conclusion, Jing enthusiastically recommends Zactrack to anyone seeking top-notch tracking solutions. The combination of precision, flexibility, and user-friendly design significantly contributed to the success of “Into the Woods.” Zactrack not only met but exceeded the expectations of the sound design team, enhancing the overall immersive experience for both creators and spectators in the world of musical theatre.
Text: Total Solution Marketing